Maribel Königer

Maribel Königer is Director of Communication, Journalism and Media at the ERSTE Foundation in Vienna. In this capacity she is responsible for ERSTE's programmes to support investigative journalism and free media in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Since September 2023 she represents the ERSTE Foundation on the supervisory board of Pluralis. Pluralis, a Dutch limited liability company managed by the Media Investment Development Fund, invests blended capital in successful news companies that provide independent, quality reporting in countries in Europe where a plural media is at risk. The Munich-born art historian started her career as an art critic and journalist in Paris/France. From 1992 to 1996 she covered French cultural life for German-language media such as Süddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and various magazines. In 1996 she changed sides and became involved in PR. She was Spokeswoman for documenta X (1997) in Kassel/Germany and Head of Communications for the cultural and scientific programmes of EXPO 2000 in Hanover/Germany. In 2007 she joined ERSTE Foundation as Head of Communications. She is currently chair of the steering committee of Philea Communication Professionals in Philanthropy.